| Mary Hopkin - Those Were The Days |
Mary Hopkin Biography The Welsh teenager who became an internationally successful folk singer after signing to The Beatles’ Apple label. |
Born in 1950 in Pontardawe, Mary Hopkin’s singing began while she was still a schoolgirl. Starting out in a local folk band, the Selby Set & Mary, she also released several Welsh-language albums on local label Cambrian Recordings.
Mary’s fortunes changed dramatically in 1968 following an appearance on the TV talent show Opportunity Knocks, where she performed Turn Turn Turn. It was indeed to be a turning point in her life.
She won the competition, and the following Monday received a telegram asking her to call Apple Records. She did, and spoke to Paul McCartney, who asked her to come up to London the next day for an audition.
Mary recorded eight songs that day, and was offered a recording contract on the spot. The song Those Were The Days was chosen as her first single, and it looked to be an instant success - her success in Opportunity Knocks had already made her a household name. She was just 18 years old.
Read more at Profile of Mary Hopkin, on the BBC
Listen: Mary Hopkin - Those Were The Days
Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And dreamed of all the great things we would do
Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la…
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I’d see you in the tavern
We’d smile at one another and we’d say
Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la…
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me
Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la…
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we’re older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same
Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la…
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days.
